The Australian Jewish News (AJN) has removed an article that criticised the treatment of Sarah Schwartz, executive officer of the Jewish Council of Australia, by members of the Jewish community. The piece, written by regular contributor and lawyer Nomi Kaltmann, was commissioned by editor-in-chief Gareth Narunsky and published online on 3 July.
Article Content and Removal
Kaltmann's article, headlined “Every Jew, regardless of politics, remains part of our people,” described watching Schwartz’s testimony at the royal commission on antisemitism and social cohesion as “extremely upsetting” despite their political differences. “I suspect we would disagree about almost everything when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” Kaltmann wrote. “But to me, that isn’t really the point.” She condemned the use of terms like “kapo” or comparing a fellow Jew to a rat, stating that such language means “you have become part of the problem.”
On 7 July, the article was taken down without explanation, though its URL headline remains visible. Kaltmann later republished the piece on her personal website. She told Weekly Beast that the way Schwartz has been spoken to is “abhorrent” and that her article was “a much-needed message for people to remember to speak to everyone with respect.” She expressed sadness over its removal, calling it a reflection of a broader societal issue regarding civil discourse.
Context and Reactions
Schwartz has faced criticism from some in the Jewish community, with detractors using terms like Judenrat and depicting her as a rat. Kapo is an insulting word for Jews who allegedly collaborated with Nazis in concentration camps. The rival Jewish Independent reported that Narunsky was instructed to remove the article by Publisher Bob Magid and Director Anna Pasternak after complaints about defending Schwartz. Narunsky, Magid, and Pasternak did not respond to requests for comment.
Media Moves and Political Reporting
In other media news, News Corp Australia has struggled to fill the role of national political editor in Canberra, vacant since Clare Armstrong resigned in October 2023 to join the ABC. The position has been advertised for nine months with no success. The job requires serving tabloid editors across the Murdoch stable and covering extensive ground with limited resources.
Meanwhile, Politico is launching its Canberra Playbook on 17 August, hiring three reporters: Paul Karp as editor, and Finn McHugh and Miriam Webber as co-authors. Karp, formerly of Guardian Australia and the Australian Financial Review, said the newsletter will “show you the personalities driving politics, hold power to account, and put Auspol in global context.” Webber brings experience from the Canberra Times and Politico Europe, while McHugh joins from Capital Brief with over a decade in the press gallery.
Factual Errors and Ombudsman Revelations
Liberal columnist Terry Barnes made errors in an Australian Financial Review article about former Liberal leader John Pesutto. Barnes incorrectly stated that Pesutto expelled Moira Deeming (it was a party room vote) and claimed the defamation case cost him his seat (Pesutto remains in his seat, though he stepped down as opposition leader). The AFR corrected the expulsion error but not the other mistakes.
At the royal commission on antisemitism, ABC ombudsman Fiona Cameron revealed she is investigating a special request from the ABC board, unrelated to Middle East conflicts. She also noted that journalists are not always the best at assessing their own work, saying, “I don’t feel that journalists are very good at … assessing their own.” She has an opening in her team and is encouraging internal and external applicants.
News Corp's Coverage of Hanson
The Daily Telegraph provided glowing coverage of Pauline Hanson’s UK trip, including headlines like “Brave Pauline gets Tommy’s approval” and “Pauline shares a pint with her buddy Holly.” The reports covered her meeting with far-right activist Tommy Robinson and former pop star Holly Valance. An editorial described the meeting as a “compelling cultural moment,” contrasting it with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s activities.
